1928

IHC Whistle

International Harvester Company

By the mid twentieth century Fort Wayne became known as the "Heavy-Duty Truck Capital of the World." International Harvester established a large plant east of Fort Wayne in 1923 where 1,527,299 heavy and medium-sized trucks were built before the plant closed in July 1983. In addition to trucks, an early sport utility vehicle called the "Scout" was produced in an adjacent plant from November 1960 to October 1980. It was a popular, innovative vehicle and 532,674 were manufactured in its twenty-year run. At its peak "The Harvester" was the largest employer in the area, contributing to the growth of the local economy and providing jobs for 10,000 workers.

The brass Crosby Steam Whistle was a symbol to residents of the east end industries. The ship whis-tle was purchased in 1928 for the International Harvester Company truck plant from a marine supply company. The original whistle, purchased in 1923 when the plant opened, was too shrill and the sound did not carry well. The new high-pressure whistle was used to signal shift changes with tones that could be heard throughout Fort Wayne. It was mounted on top of the Powerhouse at the South Coliseum Boule-vard plant and was used until the plant closed in 1983.